Agricultural Mechanization Overview

Agriculture mechanization refers to the technological advancements in farming that have helped decrease the amount of labor-intensive activities through the use of machinery.

While working towards this degree, you will learn everything there is to know about engines, combines, tractors, balers, and other mechanical devices used on farms. This major will expose you to the different technologies currently used in electric power and processing, water maintenance and irrigation, and building construction. You will learn to weld and draft along with how to build, repair, manage, and operate all types of farm equipment.

If you would like to concentrate on certain areas within Agriculture Mechanization, some schools offer specialties, such as Agricultural Power Machinery Operation and Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology.

Required Skills

A career in Agricultural Mechanization is best suited for those who enjoy equipment maintenance. You will spend most of your time ensuring the upkeep of tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems. Since agricultural technology is quickly advancing, knowledge of computers and operating systems is necessary. Attention to detail is a required skill because of the complexity of agricultural machines and farm operating systems. Someone considering this career should also be innovative and flexible so you can properly assess and fix any technological issues.

Unlike other agricultural careers, jobs in agricultural mechanization often hold a traditional 40-hour work week. This degree often leads to careers in management positions, so you must be prepared to coordinate, supervise, and manage others. Good customer service and communication skills are a must.

In order to learn more about the career, you might consider working a summer job, internship, or apprenticeship to gain experience. These experiences will give you the opportunity to work with skilled agricultural mechanics and learn about the use and upkeep of farming technology and machines.

Careers

A degree in Agricultural Mechanization opens up the possibility of numerous careers within the agricultural field. Some people decide to open their own business while others go into product service and testing or service management. New inventions are constantly popping up within the agricultural industry causing a demand for people educated in agricultural mechanization. This is a field that is maintaining slight to moderate growth each year offering good opportunities to those with formal training.